Pull your reports from all three bureaus

Go to AnnualCreditReport.com (the official site). Get reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You want the full reports, not just a score.

Check your personal information

Name, addresses, employers. Look for anything you don't recognize. Errors here can be a sign of mixed files or identity issues.

Go through each account and mark it

• -Not mine / wrong person
• -Mine but wrong details (balance, dates, status)
• -Mine and accurate

Check for duplicate accounts

Sometimes the same debt shows up more than once, especially if it was sold to a collector. That can make things look worse than they are.

Note any accounts in collections

Write down who the collector is, the original creditor, and the balance. Check whether the dates are accurate.

Pick one item to focus on first

Start with the one that has the clearest evidence. A dispute that's specific tends to go better than one that's fueled by frustration.

Gather your supporting documents

Statements, letters, proof of payment, identity documents. Whatever supports your case for the item you're disputing.

Decide what kind of help you need

• -Organization and follow-through: a credit repair company might reduce the load
• -Can't keep up with payments: a nonprofit credit counselor may be more relevant
• -Identity theft: start with identity-theft reporting and credit freezes